Afternoon Tea at Céleste

Resuming my afternoon tea adventures with the help of Michelle, a friend visiting all the way from New Zealand. We last saw each other in 2013 over scones at Fortnam and Mason (I’m sensing a theme…). This time, afternoon tea at the somewhat-newly renovated luxury hotel, The Lanesborough beckoned.

Starting with a refreshing trio of fresh strawberries, strawberry sorbet and a light vanilla creme accompanied by a glass of champagne, we caught up on life’s highs & lows over the last few years. And, as always, appreciative of having a friend who doesn’t mind my photo taking. In the capable hands of the tea sommelier, we were served our first (of three) tea to accompany the savoury course. Finger sandwiches made with fluffy bread and the freshest ingredients. Is there anything more civilised than eating a sandwich with cutlery? Simple pleasures.

My first scones in well over a year, piping hot tea and delightful company: quite the afternoon. A culinary joy to have my favourite scone accompaniment – lemon curd – to hand. People still ask, cream or jam first? Apparently, this is a controversial question (which amuses me to no end). There is only one way to eat a scone: lashings of clotted cream first and then jam or, in my case, a large dollop of heavenly lemon curd.

One of the issues I find with afternoon tea is there’s far too much food. Predictably, we both ate a scone each and then nibbled at the très français desserts doubling as works of art. Worry not, we both left with our uneaten afternoon treats also known as the following day’s breakfast.

It’s been far too long, hasn’t it?. Well, Jee, you’ll be happy to hear that I’ve just booked another afternoon tea (during the festive season). My studies are coming to an end, so more time to indulge!

I’ve just been reading through your blog; the recipe section is just wonderful – I cannot wait to try the matcha popcorn.

Afternoon Tea at Céleste

Resuming my afternoon tea adventures with the help of Michelle, a friend visiting all the way from New Zealand. We last saw each other in 2013 over scones at Fortnam and Mason (I’m sensing a theme…). This time, afternoon tea at the somewhat-newly renovated luxury hotel, The Lanesborough beckoned.

Starting with a refreshing trio of fresh strawberries, strawberry sorbet and a light vanilla creme accompanied by a glass of champagne, we caught up on life’s highs & lows over the last few years. And, as always, appreciative of having a friend who doesn’t mind my photo taking. In the capable hands of the tea sommelier, we were served our first (of three) tea to accompany the savoury course. Finger sandwiches made with fluffy bread and the freshest ingredients. Is there anything more civilised than eating a sandwich with cutlery? Simple pleasures.

My first scones in well over a year, piping hot tea and delightful company: quite the afternoon. A culinary joy to have my favourite scone accompaniment – lemon curd – to hand. People still ask, cream or jam first? Apparently, this is a controversial question (which amuses me to no end). There is only one way to eat a scone: lashings of clotted cream first and then jam or, in my case, a large dollop of heavenly lemon curd.

One of the issues I find with afternoon tea is there’s far too much food. Predictably, we both ate a scone each and then nibbled at the très français desserts doubling as works of art. Worry not, we both left with our uneaten afternoon treats also known as the following day’s breakfast.

It’s been far too long, hasn’t it?. Well, Jee, you’ll be happy to hear that I’ve just booked another afternoon tea (during the festive season). My studies are coming to an end, so more time to indulge!

I’ve just been reading through your blog; the recipe section is just wonderful – I cannot wait to try the matcha popcorn.